please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Things must have changed since the last review as there are now 6 real ales all well kept. The pub food is also good and very reasonably priced. Busy every time we went in which speaks for itself. Very handy from the nearby Premier Inn.
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I made a comment in April 2008 when Jamie took over. He learnt a few lessons quickly and ran a decent pub until 2021. Then Holdens made a few minor refurbishment changes and the new bloke took over. Many of the people I used to know in here on a match day have voted with their feet. The Holdens Bitter is awful. The Bathams guest ale is unrecognisable. The food on a match day is not fit for dogs. The cheapest of all burgers and sausages sold on rolls. No hot pork baps any more. No chips. (They used to be so good in here). He does open the back bar but only sells Golden Glow on there leaving the front bar quite busy for all other real ales. The Great Western is a long long way from ever being an award winning pub again.
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Great pub that we like to visit each time we're in Wolverhampton. It's handy for the station and the football ground. They allow away fans in, unlike many in the centre. We came here after the game. There were lengthy queues to get served and unfortunately there weren't many ales left. Holden's Black Country Bitter, Special & Golden Glow & Batham's Best Bitter were supplemented by a guest ale - Thornbridge Rattlesnake. They also had a real cider - Holden's Marcher Lord's, which was very quaffable indeed and a new one for me. Inside, there is a small bar at the front, which leads up to more seating and opens out further to a conservatory beyond. Despite the crowds, we were glad to be out of the rain and we fully appreciated one last drink before heading home.
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The subway under the station is closed at present so turn left out of the station and go to the end of the taxi/drop-off point then left again along the cobbles and under the bridge.
Was there on a Monday night, unfortunately the kitchen closed at 18.00 so wasn't able to sample the hot pork baps again, had to make do with cheese and onion and beef and onion cobs.
Beer as good as always.
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Excellent pub. A few years since I was last there but yesterday I saw it has gone from strength to strength. Great ales in tip-top condition, a real sun trap outside drinking area and excellent value local food such as gray pays and bacon. A 'must visit' when in Wolverhampton. 10/10.
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A visit to Wolverhampton to tick off a few Good Beer Guide pubs.
I knew before I left home that this would be the best of the night and it didn't disappoint.
Great Bathams and a really good atmosphere.
Highly recommended.
Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2ur3X4D
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Never fails to impress, came in mid-evening after a long journey and day's work. Relaxed atmosphere, usual range of beers, tried the Holdens Bitter and Bathams Bitter - both excellent. A must if you're in the area.
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Stunningly good pub with some of the best bar staff in the business. Great beer, sensible prices.
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So far this place hasn't disappointed decent ales on all around £.260 to £2.80 a pint (even the bottles to take out for the train)
Most probably Wolves best alehouse.
anonymous - 3 Apr 2017 20:43 |
Still your best bet when seeking a pint near to Wolves station. The pork baps seem to be supplemented with a few other varieties now. The Holden's ales were on top form and they also had Bathams. Although it is in close proximity to the station you need to give yourself a good 10 minutes to catch a train - longer if late on as they do sometimes lock the subway route late at night.
anonymous - 23 Dec 2016 12:39 |
What more can one say after the previous comments?
If there are only two pubs you can visit in Wolverhampton, this has definitely got to be one together with the Lych Gate Tavern.
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Think the posts below speak for themselves but all i add is traditional black country food is ur things then this is the place with grey peas and bacon and faggots on the menu. Fantastic pub
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First time here and won't be the last. Great atmosphere and beers with emphasis on Holdens and Bathams but with guests. No music or machines, lots of chatter. Pork pies. Exit via main entrance of Wolverhampton station then turn sharp right and head for subway right to end then turn right alongside old Low Level station and pub will be at end by railway bridge.
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Still very good as per previous posts
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Top notch. It was our first stop for a day roving the rails and pubs between Wolverhampton and Stourbridge. We made sure we had time to get back for our last drink too.
A damn fine pub.
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Busy but comfortable on a Friday evening. A large part towards the back is given over to food but, unlike many these days, there are still separate areas around the bar for drinkers. Great range of local ales and efficient staff. I was only in Wolverhampton for a few hours and was really glad I visited the Great Western, its a top pub.
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Called here on Sunday en route to West Brom, and a big thank you to Jamie for opening the kitchen for us - ale wasn't bad either.
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I had 20 minutes between changing trains so decided to tick this one as it's always got rave reviews
7 ales on draught, 5 from Holden's as you would expect, 1 from Bathams and 1 from Old Gate Ales.
I had the Holden's Golden Glow & at £2.55 a pint it was great value and a very good pint.
Home cooked food offered at responsible prices, cheese and onion & beef and onion rolls on offer on the bar, the beef and onion was handsome
Adorned with railway memorabilia all over the walls some of it very interesting.
100's of pump clips are scattered around the bar and back wall, showing the amount of quality ales that have been served here over the years.
Traditional back street local that has bags of charm & one I will almost certainly return to some day.
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Was recommended to us by a frequent rail traveller, so walked the couple of minutes from the Premier Inn nearby.I could write a long rambling review about the friendly staff, fantastic beer choice, rail memorabilia, decent bogs etc. It is easier to just say this in our opinion is one of the top 10 real ale pubs in the Midlands. Well done Holdens Brewery.
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Judging by his previous positive reviews I'm sure that DNADAVE means that this pub never disappoints. I have only been in once, but the Great Western certainly features highly in my list of the hundred best pubs I've ever visited and I'm looking forward to being back soon.
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Called in here before the Villa game the other week. Never fails to disappoint, fime selection of ales, excellent staff and great food.
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christ! what a find. easier to find than you might imagine, on entering you are met with a warm welcome and a pub brimming with character. It would be worth a look even if the beer was catpiss,which it most certainly was NOT! in fact it was fabulous, and got the Marzipan Haters wolverhampton jolly-up off to a perfect start.
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This is one of the best pubs around (certainly in the Wolverhampton area). You can get to it via the stairs/path under the station or via the road through the car park. It is a Holden's Brewrey pub but is virtaully a Free House which had on handpump - 4 Holden's beers; Batham's Best Bitter; Kelham Island Pale Rider and Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild - brilliant selection !! Add to this the friendly bar staff; the hot pork and stuffing rolls and the tons of railwayana bric-a-brac then you can easily see why the pub is so popular. A good mix of customers and age groups. I have heard that it gets packed when Wolves are at home but I have never personally never had any hassle. There is a conservatory at the back (with its own bar) and I'm pretty sure they have a car park. This is a "must visit" pub. Highly recommended.
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I've wanted to visit this pub for years and finally had the opportunity on Boxing Day. Not too easy to find now - I remember seeing it when calling at the old Low Level station in the early sixties, but now practically surrounded by dereliction. But how good that it has survived. Plenty of relevant railwayana, a good buzzing atmosphere at midday, the kitchen was shut but the selection of ales was excellent and those we tried were in top condition. The bar staff were keen, knowledgeable and hardworking. We particularly enjoyed the Holdens mild and bitter, will try the special next time (not the best strength to start on). It won't be long before we are back.
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An excellent pub, bristling with heritage and quality beers. one of the few proper pubs in the area and much better than the Wetherspoons pap.
Food is what you'd expect, honest no-frills pub-grub.
Don't go on match days unless you like having to wait ages and not have much space to move about.
A nice pub to go to in the early evening for a nice relaxing pint of Holdens or Bathams, plus guest ales.
A 10/10 for being a true, proper pub.
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An absolultely brilliant no frill's pub. The Holdens special was top draw yesterday. It was doing a healthy trade yesterday but wasn't to packed because Wolves were away.
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Called here on Saturday, excellent as always, even had the legendary 'Gray Pays and bacon'. One of my favourite pubs.
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Stunningly good pub. Has increased range of beers since last visit four years ago without any detriment to quality. Friendly and helpful staff. Marred only by TV screens in several bar areas, but fortunately the sound was turned off so could largely be ignored
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Amazing coincidence JoeGreen, as you were posting this I had left Wolverhampton two hours earlier having failed to find the Great Western! I did find the Brown Lion in the Jewellery Quarter however.
Will get here the next time a railway does a cheap fare again.
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To elaborate on the directions from LesP - turn right on leaving station, right into subway, down subway, turn right again: persevere!
The reward will be a cosy, friendly pub with lots of character, friendly staff, excellent ales and honest-to-goodness pub food.
Seems to be open all day, but only sandwiches to eat after lunchtime.
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One of the very few pubs that couldn't be improved. It gets busy on matchdays (and away supporters can always get in provided they don't make a fuss about it) but apart from that service is always good and the quality of the beer goes without saying.
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Popped in a couple of times over and after the last weekend. What a little gem of a pub. Tried a couple of golden bitters and an IPA and all delicious and well kept. Add to that one of the friendliest, smiliest, barmaids I've encountered and it all made for very pleasurable - if all too short - visits. For "strangers" the key is to finding that subway by the station and not being put off by the herris fencing surrounding the building developments along the route.
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Good old stlye pub with execellent ale. The Bathams was on form on this visit. Close to the station but as pointed out - you have to know the way.
anonymous - 14 Feb 2012 10:28 |
Great boozer, have used this a few times en route to games in the Midland, excellent ale and food, had a nice chat with Jamie the boss, knows his stuff, I just hope beating Wolves 3-0 doesn't mean they get relegated.
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This is a real trasure. Just around the corner from the station and down the subway. A real fire burning, a choice of 6 cask ales and a choice of main meals or rolls. Cracking display of railway memorabilia on display. A cosy place, quite busy on Saturday lunchtime when I visited.
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Visited the Great Western last night before the football match (and thanks to JBGatelad for the tip about how to get there quickly from the station - see previous post). The pub was absolutely buzzing. The bar staff were brilliant considering how busy it was....very friendly as well. I tried the 3 Holdens beers - Bitter, Golden Glow and Special - and all were in top condition. Plenty of rail memorabilia adorning the walls plus roaring open fires. This place is a gem!
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Finally found a quick route by turning right outside the railway station entrance and in a corner, it is marked "subway" - down some steps through the subway and turn right, then on to the end of the path opposite the pub. The old Great Western station, looking more and more magnificient as it seems to be in the process of renovation, is on your left. There were 3 Holdens beers and a Bathams, with, I think 3 or 4, other Handpumps round the right hand corner of the bar. Sampled 2 Holdens and a Bathams and they were all splendid.
Customer service was very friendly and efficient and prices very reasonable. I sampled one of the days specials, Cumberland Sausage with a leek and black pudding mash. It was truly excellent. Can't fault it! Well done!
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Great Beer, Great Food, Great Atmosphere - just what a pub should be !!
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The Great Western was really busy on our Saturday morning visit yesterday. Both home and away football fans were being welcomed and the atmosphere was good. The real ale range seemed a bit more limited than on my last visit. Holdens Golden Glow, Black Country Bitter, Mild & Special were available plus Ludlow Gold. The ciders of choice are Thatchers Dry and Gold. But both are keg.
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Just had to revisit....found an excuse to come up and spend a little bit longer in here. Had 3 or 4 great ales but the Bathams was sensational.
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Can't believe I've not commented on this wonderful pub before !
Really convenient for Wolverhampton station, yet hidden from sight that discourages the riff-raff ! Wonderful atmosphere, open fire (if you can grab a nearby seat), lots of (mainly) railway related memorabelia on the walls. Excellent beers, the full range from Holdens, Bathams Bitter and a guest or two.
Noticed on my last visit that the menu seemed to have expanded a bit, and no longer featured so many "asian" snacks. Not tried the new menu, but the roast bapps previouisly available were excellent.
9/10 - it doesn't get much better than this !
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Stunning start to a day on the Metro pub crawl. Without out a doubt one of the best pubs around.
Beers from Holdens and guests including Bathams. Holdens Golden and Bathams in the one place....fantastic.
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Great pub, conveniently near the station in Wolves. Great ales, lots of room, friendly landlord. Food in the conservatory (I think). Only bad thing about it was the neanderthal 'bragging' to his parents about the violence he and his mates used to commit when they went out on daytrips. Idiot.
Despite the caveman, always worth a visit.
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A treat for the first timer, and a Mecca to the initiated. My visit on a warm, thirst inducing Saturday afternoon left a very strong impression of a relaxed cared for pub with an excellent and manageable choice of real ales. My only quibbles would be the limited availability of food, and a courteous welcome rather than a hearty one - however bear in mind I am always looking for reasons not to award a pub the rosette of a 10/10. Delightfully located on an atmospheric cobbled back street, yet only just over five minutes walk from the train station, the Great Western has an ambience those of a certain age have seen wanting in contemporary drinking establishments: a preserved traditional space where those in search of a simple, civilised night out can do so equally. One of the very best pubs in the West Midlands.
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Paid a visit here on Saturday. As away fans, we were welcomed. In addition to the 4 Holdens beers - Special, Black Country Mild, Black Country Bitter and Golden Glow, they also had Bathams Brough Bitter and Morton Essington IPA, all from the local area. Cider was Thatchers Traditional. As many others have said, the pork baps were both tasty and good value. Plenty of things on the wall to look at and obviously very convenient for the station. A good real ale pub that I've no doubt we'll be returning to.
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Splendidly traditional well known pub situated close to Wolverhampton railway station and down a cobbled street close to what, apparently, was the old GWR station. Despite being a trained investigator, the pub took some finding - I think, on reflection, that I must have taken the wrong exit coming out of the mainline station.
There's a smallish public bar type area at the front with a tiled floor and obvious, but sympathetic, extensions behind which make the pub look much larger and roomer than initially appears to be the case.
There's plenty of railway memorabilia - framed photos etc - throughout. Note in particular the white - painted wooden fencing station - roof style surround over the front bar. At the far end of the pub, accessed via a long narrow seating area, is a conservatory style dining area where there is some Wolverhampton Wanderers F C memorabilia, including a photo of the FA Cup winning team of 1949 when they beat Leicester City 3-1.
Disappointingly, on my recent early evening visit, the legendary hot roast baps or grey peas and faggots were not available - these are apparently only available midweek evenings if pre-booked
On the beer front, it's a Holdens pub and the full range of their beers - Mild, Bitter, Golden Glow and Special - were available. Both the Mild and Special - priced at � 2.00p and � 2.35p respectively - were excellent tasty pints, although the Bitter ( � 2.05p ) tasted slightly bland and uninteresting to me. Also on were Bathams Bitter - a regular fixture I understand - and, as a guest, Broughs Pale Ale, which, according to the GBG is brewed using spare capacity at the Old Swan in Netherton. The Great Western is a GBG regular and has won numerous CAMRA awards over the years.
It's still only the first quarter of 2010, but I do have the distinct impression that I'm unlikely to visit many, if any, better pubs during the whole of the current year.
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What a wonderful pub. Was taken there before (and after) the match by a Wolves fan - would never have found it otherwise - it cant get a lot of passing trade. The bitters were in excellent condition, the staff efficient and friendly, and the open fires a definite plus. One to remember!
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Great pub hidden away in Wolverhampton. As everyone has already said the hot Pork Baps and the Bathams make it worth the journey alone, the friendly barstaff, open fire (which they invite you to toast your own crumpets on) just add to the experience. Great pub for a winter afternoon.
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Cant add much to what has been already said - cracking back street boozer , fantastic well kept Bathams and Holdens ales at a sensible price , open fire places , friendly efficient staff and lots of little spaces to escape !! Added attraction of loads of railway bits and pieces (if you like that sort of thing).
Definately will be going again 9 out 10 !!
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A fantastic pub. Came here Saturday before the match and even though it was busy with Wolves fans, the staff were on top of things and served people quickly.
The Holdens bitter was superb, as was the Bathams. The pork rolls were also super.
A lovely place, especially in the front bar by the real fire. We came back after the match (the Arse won 1 - 4) for more of the same.
Stay up Wolves so I can return next season!
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Famous Wolverhampton boozer that is opposite the old Low Level Station and underneath the current station. My favourite aspect must be walking down to the pub from the station, the twisted hilly cobbled street under the railway viaduct and old warehouses make it positively Dickensian, and you're met with the warm glow of a proper pub at the bottom. Great range of Midland microbrewer ales served, I had a Black Country Bitter which was eminently quaffable, only wish I could've stopped longer. It's a large pub with a dining area at the back, but it's not chintzy and the bar area remains that of a boozer, not a gastropub. Railwayana all around which is always a bonus, and friendly service.It's always packed with good reason. One of the Black Country's finest, indeed one of the UK's finest.
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One of the very best pubs in the country in my humble opinion; not only is the beer excellent (the Holdens bitter was stunning on my my last visit) but the service is top notch- you never have tyo wait long- anyone who has had to endure sloppy slovenly service will appeciate a place where staff know what they are doing and are always attentive.
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First time I have been there when not going to football, and it really is a fantastic place. Great beer (Bathams, Holdens and Enville were all on top form), great service, railway momento's on the walls - It is a proper pub. Even the 50th birthday party in the garden, blasting out cheesy music could not spoil my visit.
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Excellent Holden's pub - good pint of Bathams - definitely try the hot pork cobs @ � 2.00
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We started off on our Metro pub crawl and it's just as good as always, gorgeous Batham's pleasant surroundings and good service made for a pleasant way to start the boozeathon.
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I second the comments of many others here. It's a friendly, rambling pub with a variety of interesting spaces and loads of railway memorabilia. I've never found the beer less than excellent - a selection from the Holden's range plus a guest or two, usually including the superb Batham's Bitter. Well worth the effort to find. Unusually for a pub near to a city centre, it has a fair-sized car park too.
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A wonderful, fantastic pub. My only gripe is that the Batham's always seems to have sold out before I get there.
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Well worth finding.Great staff,quick and efficient.I visited last Saturday,there was a wedding reception going on but service still brilliant.A Holden's house with full range including well kept mild.Also has a pump for Batham's bitter,which in fact seemed to be the best selling beer.
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Loved this place. It was quite difficult to find despite being right next to the station. The staff were VERY friendly and welcoming, and even cooked me a hot pork cob when I asked, even though they'd stopped serving food. Beer was top notch too!
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Absolutely outstanding city centre boozer ,quite difficult to find behind the station.However full range of Holden beers and the wonderful Bathams Bitter all on top form make this pub a pleasure to drink in.Very easy to get thoroughly pissed in such a friendly atmosphere,even the vicar shows up to keep an eye on his flock.There is also an everchanging list of guests beers many of which are from close to the West Midlands.If only more pubs were like this......
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Stayed in Wolverhampton two nights 1&2nd May 2009 staying at the Novotel ,Carling lager �3.50 pint 330ml bottles of beer �4 plus.This pub was recommended to me by several friends the five minute walk was well worth it.The atmosphere was very friendly,the staff were efficient and pleasant.The beers we tried(Bathams Bitter,Holdens Bitter.) were well priced and in excellent condition.One of our party tried the pork baps and said they were superb.Overall we had two very pleasant evenings .I hope I can visit this pub again soon.
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The Great Western is just out of the back of the station, may be home fans only at times but we were fine. A full range of Holdens beers including Golden Glow, Bitter, Special, Mild and the seasonal Springheel Jack were complemented by Bathams Bitter, Abbot and Thatchers cider. The place is decked out like a station waiting room and serves good cheap food.
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In the nanny state enforced beer desert that is Wolverhampton city centre on a late Sunday morning, when the authorities order an early kick off for a Wolves football game, one pub defiantly stays open. Packed to the gills with black and gold beerhunters, quaffing fine Bathams and Holdens beers and demolishing hearty breakfasts. Well done the Great Western.
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Called in here last night for the first time. It's not that easy to find now the railway bridge over Sun Street is closed. You need to go under the subway to the left of the station main entrance and then turn right at the end and then keep going, even though it looks like a dead end. Multi roomed pub with two real fires on the go. Holdens pub with Mild, Bitter, Special and Golden Glow on, plus two "guest ales" according to their chalkboard, Holdens Old Ale and Devil Dunn. Someone needs to explain the meaning of "guest" to these guys. Had a pint of the Golden Glow and Devil Dunn, both were well kept and tasty. Good,quick, friendly service with a smile. Sat in the main long room. All the walls are covered with railway memorabilia as you might expect from the pub name. Pretty good this place. Judging by the previous reviews, some people have an axe to grind with this pub. I've reviewed it as I found it (eventually) on a first visit.
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Very highly recommended.
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Can't see where some of the negativity is coming from. A recent visit proved to be extremely satisfactory for both beer and food - and the service was speedy and pleasant.
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I'm glad to see positive reports since my post in May 2008. I'll keep checking and when the homemade meat pies and giant cod are back then I'll be too!
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CRAP
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Maybe I've been unlucky, but I've had some disapointing poorly kept beers in here.
I'll try again soon.
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Visited on a match day: Very busy, food looked as good as every, beer was excellent. One of my favourites in Wolves.
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One of my all time favourite pubs! Fantastic beers, good value food and great atmosphere.
Good selection of beers with the fantastic Holdens Black Country Special, their Bitter and Mild, and Bathams Bitter too. Usual lagers and Guiness also available.
Great value food served lunchtimes, and can be very busy - as well known in area for the food and beer.
Central bar area (no sitting at the bar - wish other pubs would do the same!) plenty of seating in bar area and small room behind, then larger seating area to the back and a conservatory at rear.
Walls covered with Great Western Railway memorabilia giving the place a great character, which is enhanced by the locals themselves! Service is usually speedy and efficient.
Just a short walk from Wolverhampton Railway Station under railway track from car park then turn RIGHT at end of underpass and walk forward.
Highly recommended.
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Great pub. A real pub, with top quality real beer, and railway memorabelia. If looking for a drink near Wolverhampton station, you won't find better.
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Reports of the demise of this bostin' backstreet pub are greatly exaggerated. The regulars have obviously been listened to, and the intrusive football music on match days has been dropped.The beers are on top form - imperious Bathams, Holden's Golden Glow and Black Country Special rule the roost, but guest beers also vie for your attention. The conservatory has been a welcome addition to the legendary interior crammed with railway ephemera, and the Sky Sports News screens are not intrusive, blending in with the Wolves memorabilia. Good food is now being served at different times to accommodate early and midweek kick off times for the Wolves. Only six or seven minutes stroll from the railway station too, now that the walkway behind the station has reopened. Buy the polo shirt aswell - the Great Western; it's chuffin'great!
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Well worth a visit if you are in the area - excellent beer, interesting lay out - a real pub. Pity I had to catch the train!
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What a great place - really enjoyed my pint of Holden's Special so decided to stay for a quick sandwich and my first-ever pint of Bathams. Lots of interesting memorabilia, and very handy for Wolverhampton station (once you have worked out the less-than-obvious route).
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My first visit so no axe to grind re previous management etc. Excellent beer, great pork babs, cheap. Plenty of space. Memorabilia. What's not to like?
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Sad to see there has been a little strife over the change in ownership. All i can say is that this was and still is the best pub in wolverhampton. The real ales are great and the Holden's Mild top notch. Being a historian, i love the memorabilia. Not eaten much here, so cant comment on that
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Terrifix pub. Always visit on football days.
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Best pub in Wolverhampton, Holdens mild, Bathams bitter and Murphy's are all top notch.Dr's verdict - try all three.
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I must answer previous comments made about staff trying to sabotage the business - as an 'EX' member of staff myself, and having worked and loved this pub for a very long time, (I must add that I left out of choice) I found it almost impossible to continue working there. After a recent visit it seems times have not changed, the food was expensive and not at all good for the money, and the beer was simply not as it once was. So perhaps it is because the 'EX' staff are actually intellectual enough not to work there. (and the person below is not who you think it is, unfortunately.)
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Very strange indeed!!!
I went in on Sunday in between changing trains and the pub its self hasn�t changed but I didn�t recognise the staff behind the bar. I couldn�t fault the beer which was as good as ever but no food except butties in this glass fronted fridge and titbits on the bar. As I wanted a proper cooked meal I was not pleased!
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6 reviews in 3 days ?
Even stranger !
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What a load of CODS-WHOLLOP never going to beat the old cod that was bigger than the plate yum yum in my tum stuff yours up your bum.
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Visited the Great Western today with the family and was very pleasantly surprised. Being a traditional pub I expected a great selection of ales and there was that in an abundance, I was sceptical about the food until we ordered it, and was overwhelmed by the ploughmans that I was served, and the gigantic whale that was served up on the large fish and chips dish...it was fantastic and presented with care and attention..a credit to the catering staff and all was done with some speed considering the place was so busy. A big 'well done' to all concerned...keep it up!
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Visited the Great Western today with the family and was very pleasantly surprised. Being a traditional pub I expected a great selection of ales and there was that in an abundance, I was sceptical about the food until we ordered it, and was overwhelmed by the ploughmans that I was served, and the gigantic whale that was served up on the large fish and chips dish...it was fantastic and presented with care and attention..a credit to the catering staff and all was done with some speed considering the place was so busy. A big 'well done' to all concerned...keep it up!
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One word to say about this place. 'FANTASTIC'.
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A bit miffed about some of the most recent comments here. The GWR (or God's Wonderful Repose, as we like to call it!!)is, and has been the best boozer in Wolverhampton for many years. Beer is first class, the food is fantastic and really good value for money, and the staff are delightful. I would recommend this pub to anyone without hesitation!
The only thing that does stand out to me regarding the recent comments, is that there seem to be quite a lot all of a sudden. Also, they have all been posted after what seems to be a bit of a staff shake up, where a few of the not so happy and helpful staff have parted company. Me thinks this could be a pathetic attempt to sabotauge the pubs reputation by some ex members of staff. Especially when one of them uses his actual name as a screen name. I think this shows their level of intelligence, and highlights perfectly why they are now EX members of staff!
As for the current staff, new and old - keep up the good work, and a big thank you for Max's party last Sunday - FANTASIC!!
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i have never been to this pub before but was reccommended recently by a friend and i was not dissapointed. The staff have great knowledge of the real ales and the food was excellent and quickly serve to us. I would not hesitate to reccommend this house to others. great all round keep up the good work
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51 ratings and 31 reviews in 2 years but 16 reviews in the last 5 weeks.
Very strange !
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Cant fault the beer, ony the fact the price has gone up!! I no longer eat there though as the food comes out cold and takes far to long to come out. This was a pub i would go to with my family to have a meal out but no longer want to. I did try to address my problem with the staff but they was just rude to me. I dont go to that pub anymore but have to say i do miss the beer. I came all the way from bridgnorth to come to this pub but now i would'nt even go down the road to it if it was there. I wish i could bring the old food and staff back and then i would be back in a shot. If you ask people who went to the pub before and have gone now they would say the same as me.
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This pub was perfect how it was before the manegment had changed hands but over the last 2 months the pub is going down the food isnt as good as it used to be and the staff
can sometimes be quite rude.I agree with the comment below me that you should not try to fix somethink that is not alredy broken.
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What a rubbish pub i ask you? Its gone down hill. Did have nice friendly kitchen staff/ bar staff. Nothing was ever to much trouble for them. Food 'was' one of the best places and fish was out of this world now all you get is a hand full of food for 2 times the money and not half has nice. I think its something to do with not having the same kitchen staff and make doing with second best!!!! Never going to be the same again. I went there every day now go to the moon under water as i cant even stand this pub anymore. Its just a same and it you should'nt fix something that is not broken, and like i said this was the best pub around before.
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Up until the change of management this was my favourite pub in the UK. Beer could not be faulted for choice, price and quality and the home made food was so good I was tempted in for giant fresh cod & chips or home made steak pie regularly on weekday lunchtimes. Never made it on an evening and only tried once on match day and couldn't get through the door due to the wall to wall bodies!
Now I shan't be going there so often as despite the beer still being well up to standard, I was disappointed with all aspects of the food, especially as both my usual choices are no more.
C'est la vie!
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This is one hell of a place. Recommended to be to everyones taste. Oh the Bathams!!!! Top beer.
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Have only ever paid one visit here - a few weeks ago when on a tour of the West Mids. However, the ale was of a good standard, likewise the food so I dare say I'll be back at some point
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It warrants it's rating. Been in here a few times, and exceptional choice of beer, all very well kept, and good cheap food. I wouldn't argue with saying it's in the best 10 pubs in the UK either.
mps77 - 14 May 2008 17:35 |
No loud music (I'm pleased to say). Very good beer, good snacks and helpful and obliging staff. What more do you want. One of my top ten pubs in the UK.
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Excellant place for a beer and trains buff. Shame I'm not a wolves fan. Do have to say this is an excellant place walking distance from Wolverhampton Station. Well worth its 5 minutes of fame. 9/10.
bobin - 13 May 2008 13:49 |
Having a good crawl round the upper blackcountry yesterday with friends. The Bathams Best deserves special mention 9/10
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I have always enjoyed drinking here. Bathams Best is super. Had an excellant roll for lunch. The walls are covered in wolverhampton wonderers and railway memorabilia stuff. This is one of those places I can't pick fault with 10/10.
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I often frequent this establishment of a matchday. Please do not think that this pub is merely a boozer for football fans to get lashed. Oh no, no, no, no its far more than that. Fantastic real ales, well-kept Guinness, sharp tasty lagers. The food is also top draw. The complimentary pork pie is is always welcome to Mr Reeves. The new Gaffer is a friendly welcome. Good smoking area for a quick crafty as well. All in all a choofin great pub (Get it? hahaha)
Andrew Reeves esq.
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What a great pub. Been a regular on match days for a number of years now. New landlord has taken over and injected some much needed life in too the place. The music on a match day has added to the atmosphere, a true footballing pub now. Great ales on sale and the introduction of Budvar. Real winner. Cannot find one thing to complain about. The new man obviously listens to his punters. The torpedo rolls were removed but brought back by popular demand.
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Another Wolves match day visitor. Have to agree with previous comments, new management is in the process of introducing change and not necessarily for the better. Don't get me wrong, we all have to embrace and accept change throughout life and our favourite pre-match pub is no exception.
I don't normally eat in there, but the rolls have always been superb when required. Now they are smaller and more expensive.
The biggest gripe is with the music. There are now more loud speakers in there than Glastonbury, all have been recently installed and blast out an endless loop of football themed muzak (Match of the Day, Big Match, Wooly Bully, Liquidator, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - you get the picture). Whilst the odd tune is fine, the endless loop is relentless and as commented previously seems to be at a volume just above the noise level of the customers. I'd be interested to know what non-match day visitors have to endure through the sound system (please don't say Stars-on-45).
Have not worked out whether this is automated or the owner just turns it up at regular intervals. Apparently he used to be a DJ in the town, maybe he thinks he still is.
In summary. Beer remains cheap (by current standards) and superb, Holdens Special is my pre-match tipple. But with a new season on the horizon, the jury is out whether this will hold its position as the regular pre-match Saturday haunt.
As commented by GazzaTheBeerMan - Saturday match days will never be quite the same again.
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A Wolves match day visitor. New management has introduced piped music that increases in volume the noisier the customers become. Its very intrusive and irritating, not helped by the choice of music. The change in food policy will upset some but be welcomed by others, looking forward to the low level station development, no doubt. The rotisserie and associated gas bottle outside kitchen window in back bar a H&S hazard I would have thought. But most importantly the Holdens Special is still top notch.
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For the last twelve years my occasional trips to Molineux always involve a pre-match session in here. Steak cob and chips with all the trimmings for less than a fiver and a fully laden cheese or ham salad cob to take away for the long train journey home. Alas, no more!
Its all change. Tablecloths in the conservatory. A different menu at higher prices. Smaller baps instead of cobs. The new layout of the conservatory makes it seem more crowded and more difficult to get to the back bar. Thank heavens the Bathams Bitter is still as good as ever.
To be fair, its still a top notch pub and we all have to get used to change, but somehow, Saturday match days will never be quite the same again.
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Always been my one of my favorite pubs and one of the best pubs in the UK. Beer, food everything is good. Was in there on Sat 5 Apr. I
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I completely agree with the comments made previously. The Great Western was a little gem. Food was good portioned, tasty (and quicker than anyone ever expected!) I don't know how others feel about this but I and my fellow real ales drinkers believe the pub is just not the same. The food has changed (and not for the better) and I have experienced the new kitchen staff and the management being rude on several occasions - beer still as tasty though!
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Top pub and Top pint. The food was very good. Nothing fancy, good tasty home cooked food at fair price. 10 min walk from the railway station.
Well worth a visit.
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Smashing pub, just how a pub should be. Friendly, great beer in excellent condition, good food very reasonably priced. (The Jumbo Cod really is big - a normal sized portion is described as mini!) Black Country delicacies such as Grey Peas and Faggots are normally available. And no long waits for food - it arrives minutes after you place your order. They must have Mystic Meg in the kitchen.
anonymous - 14 Dec 2007 14:33 |
Excellent, friendly pub serving Holden's and Batham's Bitter as a guest. Friendly welcome and excellent service. Well worth the walk from the station.
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Superb pub serving Holdens in tip top condition, with friendly staff. Reasonably priced cobs to soak up the beer. The only downer is the underpass from Woverhampton High Level raiway station is no longer open, so you have to take the long way round from the station.
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Absolutely great pub,great beer,great service,found it courtesy of the CAMRA newsletter,9/10
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I was doing a crawl round Wolverhampton and called in before catching train back. WOW .. What a great pub. I had taken a photo outside, and still had camera in my hand and had a laugh with staff posing for shots. Brilliant pub. Had a wander round while drinking the Holdens monthly special. Lovely pub with well served beer in friendly atmosphere.
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Always visit this pub if in the area. Can get crowded home match lunchtimes but the service of drinks AND food is excellent as is the value. CAMRA National Pub of the Year 1991 and no wonder. Great pub
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What a pub.
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You know when you pop to the pub at lunchtime for a pint and a meal, and it takes for ever and ever for the food to arrive?
WELL FORTUNATELY NOONE CAN SAY THAT FOR THIS PUB...when I ordered my baguette (and what a baguette it was too for under �2) it was with me within 30 SECONDS!
The beer is definitely the best pub in Wolverhampton City Centre (its on the edge I guess located at back of Rail Station) and the normal Holden's Beers are complemented by Batham's Bitter and either Holden's Monthly Guest Beer or a out and out Guest ale - when I went in there the other day they were serving a beer from Kelham Island in Sheffield at 6.6%
I used the pub as a starting point for a crawl from Wolves to Stourbridge via Birmingham - everyone rated the beers here 5/5 for quality and price!
One word of caution..don't come in before 3pm when Wolves are at home as it gets RAMMED!
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An excellent hostelry. A bit busy on my visit at lunchtime on 06/07/06 with tempertures in the high 20's for the 7th or 8th day running.
It coped well. The bitter was excellent, the mild if anything was slightly better than excellent.
Good lunchtime food (trad steak pie & chips + peas @�4.50) excellent value. A bit of a wait for food but good excuse for more pouring down the throat.
Bitter at �1.80 and Mild at �1.75. And I thought my local in North Yorkshire was reasonable at �2.10 per pint. Only cheaper beer I have had is Sam Smiths in Nellies at Beverley where it was �1.17 in 2004.
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The GW is the last pub in Wolverhampton to serve proper MILD.(Banks's might brew MILD aka Original, but they are determined to kill it off by ensuring most town pubs serve keg - yuk! Exception the PYLE COCK, Wednesfield - best Banks's MILD anywhere)
A cracking pint of Holden's MILD in the GW.
No point in drinking anything other than MILD - stronger than many bitters and no headache in a morning.
Remember the mantra and do as we do: NO MILD WALK OUT.
10 out of 10 to the Great Western
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The best pub in Wolverhampton for a pint of MILD, in fact the only pub with Holdens MILD. A pleasant change from the Banks's Mild found all over Wolverhampton.
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This railway-themed pub is located
down the obscure back streets behind
Wolvehampton station. A former
CAMRA National Pub Of The Year it
stocks the fine products of two celebrated Black Country brewers,
Holden's and Batham's. In recent years there has been an emphasis on food (lunchtime only), but not to the detriment
of traditional pub values.
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